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Hanky Baby Bonnet
When a baby is born, it is a special time for family and friends. Here is a gift that is simple to make and special to give. This bonnet is made from a handkerchief and comes with a special poem. The poem goes like this:

"I’m just a little hanky as square as can be. But with a stitch or two they made a bonnet out of me. You wear me from the hospital or on your dedication day. Then I’ll be neatly pressed and just as neatly packed away.
And on your happy wedding day I’m sure you will be told, that every well dressed bride will wear an article that is old. It would be very fitting if on that happy day to be. If you will snip some stitches so I’d once again be me.
And if by chance you are a boy, on some fine day you’ll wed. Please give your bride this hanky once worn upon your little head."

If you are unable to find a hanky to use, this bonnet is easily made from fabric. The instructions are very simple. The bonnet can be embellished with embroidery, ribbon, lace or rick rack.

For one bonnet you will need:

one 10" hanky or fabric (fabric should measure 11" x 11" to allow room for a finished hem)

24" of ribbon for the bonnet ties

thin ribbon for back casing

Directions:

1. If you are using a piece of fabric, turn under ¼" around all four side. Press. Turn under again another ¼" and stitch close to the edge.

2. To form the back casing, fold the hanky in half, wrong sides together. Measure in from the fold about ¼" and mark. Repeat along the length of the fold to make a casing for the ribbon to gather in. Stitch along the marks you have made. Insert the thin ribbon into the casing you have just made, pull the ribbon tight. This will gather the fabric and make the back of the bonnet. Tie the ribbon in a tight knot and clip the ends of the ribbon.

3. To make the ties, cut the ribbon in half. To make the ribbon ties, stitch under the raw edge of the ribbon by folding the ribbon onto itself, wrong sides together. This allows the raw edge of the ribbon to be hidden when it is attracted to the bonnet. Stitch each piece of ribbon to one of the corners of the bonnet.

4. Embellish as desired.